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Learn about the importance of ladder safety, common causes of accidents, proper ladder selection, setup, climbing techniques, maintenance, and more to prevent injuries and ensure workplace safety.
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Session Objectives • Recognize the importance of ladder safety • Identify common causes of ladder accidents • Select and inspect ladders correctly • Set up ladders properly • Climb and work on ladders safely • Maintain, store, and transport ladders properly
Prequiz:How Much Do You Know? A common reason for ladder accidents is failure to inspect ladders before use. The base of a straight ladder should be 1 foot from the wall for every 2 feet of ladder height from base to support point. If a ladder is defective, return it to where you found it and take another ladder. It is safe to stand on the top step of a stepladder.
Why Ladder Safety Matters Frank overreaches to drill a hole above his head and plunges helplessly to the ground. Bill is climbing a ladder fails to check the area above him and hits his head on a beam. The resulting gash on his head sends him to the emergency room for stitches. Mark, climbing a ladder with both hands full, misses a step. Unable to grab the ladder, he falls, spraining his back. Juan, standing on the top step of a stepladder, loses his balance and falls, suffering a spinal injury. He’s out of work for 4 months. Carla fails to secure an extension ladder at the top and falls 20 feet when the ladder slips away from the wall.
3 Most Common Causes Of Ladder Accidents • Wrong ladder used • Ladder in poor condition • Ladder used improperly
Accident Statistics 73% LACK OF SAFETY INSTRUCTION 30% WET OR GREASY SHOES 61% UNSECURED AT TOP 57% HOLDING OBJECTS 66% INADEQUATE INSPECTION 53% UNSECURED LADDERS AT BOTTOM
FiveSimple Steps to Reduce the Risk of Falls 1. Inspect all ladders 2. Follow ladder safety rules 3. Use common sense 4. Avoid risky behavior 5. Report ladder safety problems
Ladder Selection • Height • Capacity • Purpose
Ladder Selection (cont.) • No metal ladders around: • Electricity • Corrosives • Flammables
Ladder Inspections • Steps/rungs • Side rails • Metal parts • Rope • Locking devices • Splinters/sharp edges • Safety feet • Dents
What to Do with a Defective Ladder • Don’t use it • Don’t try to repair it
Exercise UNSAFE SAFE Inspecting a ladder before each use Securing an extension ladder top and bottom Standing on the 2nd rung from the top of a straight ladder Reaching rather than moving a ladder Using a ladder with a broken locking device Carrying tools up a ladder in your hands Climbing a ladder with muddy shoes
Review • Do you understand: • Importance of ladder safety? • Common causes of ladder accidents? • Basic ways to reduce risk of falling? • Ladder selection? • Ladder inspection? • What to do with defective ladders?
Ladder Setup • Ground surface • Unstable bases • Doors • Support • Never fasten two ladders together • Locking devices
2 ft Ladder Setup (cont.) • 4-to-1 rule • Support point • Overlap • Secured 8 ft Image courtesy of Ladder-Max, LLC
Climbing and Descending Never climb a ladder if you are impaired Never slide down a ladder Carry tools on a belt or shoulder strap Don’t climb too high Face the ladder One person at a time Check your shoes
Working on a Ladder • Hold on • Keep centered • Stay straight and close to the ladder • Move carefully • Lean too far • Reach too high • Try to reposition ladder while on it
Ladder Maintenance • Check joints • Test hardware and fittings • Lubricate moveable parts • Replace worn rope on extension ladders • Make sure safety feet are in good condition • Clean rungs and steps
Storing Ladders • Store securely, out of the way • Store short stepladders vertically • Store straight ladders flat or hang horizontally • Never store materials on top of a ladder • Keep in a well-ventilated area
Transporting Ladders • Pair up • Balance the center on your shoulder • Be careful around corners, aisles, or where others are working • Ladders should not stick out of vehicles
Make the Right Choice a. Yes Is it safe to place a ladder on a stack of pallets to gain height? If the distance between the base of an extension ladder and the support point is 12 feet, how far should the base of the ladder be from the wall? When you climb a ladder, you should hold on with: b. No a. 3 feet b. 4 feet a. One hand b. Two hands
Review • Do you understand: • Ladder setup? • How to climb and descend ladders safely? • Working safely on ladders? • Ladder maintenance and storage? • Transporting ladders safely?
Key Points to Remember • Ladder accidents can cause serious injuries or death. • You have the power to prevent accidents. • Always choose the right ladder for the job and inspect before use. • Set up ladders correctly and climb safely. • Be careful when working on ladders and avoid overreaching.
Acknowledgement I ___________________________________, have completed the Ladder Safety training. (Print Name) Date: ________________ Please print the acknowledgement sheet, fill in requested information and deliver to Facilities administrative office.